The Keeper of the Light

Name: The Keeper of the Light
Author: Henry Van Dyke

A young woman inherits a lighthouse from her father and must navigate her new role while confronting her own sense of purpose and identity. The story explores themes of isolation, duty, and the human need for connection in a harsh environment.

By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1902 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama · 4 chapters · 10,970 words

First lines

At long distance, looking over the blue waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in clear weather, you might think that you saw a lonely sea-gull, snow-white, perching motionless on a cobble of gray rock. Then, as your boat drifted in, following the languid tide and the soft southern breeze, you would perceive that the cobble of rock was a rugged hill with a few bushes and stunted trees growing in the crevices, and that the gleaming speck near the summit must be some kind of a building -- if you were on the coast of Italy or Spain you would say a villa or a farm-house. Then, as you floated still farther north and drew nearer to the coast, the desolate hill would detach itself from the mainland and become a little mountain-isle, with a flock of smaller islets clustering around it as a brood of wild ducks keep close to their mother, and with deep water, nearly two miles wide, flowing between it and the shore; while the shining speck on the seaward side stood out clearly as a low, whitewashed dwelling with a sturdy round tower at one end, crowned with a big eight-sided lantern -- a solitary lighthouse.

What this Textopian page supports

The Keeper of the Light is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1902 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Henry Van Dyke
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Family
Length: 10,970 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 164 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for The Keeper of the Light by Henry Van Dyke
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The narrative centers around the challenges and adventures faced by the lighthouse keeper and his family, emphasizing survival and resilience.
Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the life and struggles of a lighthouse keeper in a bygone era.
Drama — The plot involves intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly around the decision to protect the lighthouse light at all costs.
Romance — The developing relationship between Nataline and Marcel adds a romantic subplot to the story.